Some tend to treat insulin resistance with herbs because of the natural benefits they bear, as herbs help relieve symptoms and reduce complications, but they do not constitute a stand-alone treatment. Where treatment includes lifestyle changes and sometimes the use of medications, and in this article, we will learn about the best herbs that can be used to help treat insulin resistance.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body develops resistance to the hormone insulin that is secreted from the pancreas and that works to regulate blood sugar. In this case, a person becomes susceptible to type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Treating insulin resistance with herbs

Treatment of insulin resistance with herbs often relies on natural herbs that contribute to lowering blood sugar levels as well as increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. These herbs include:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has many benefits, including that it slows down the progression of diabetes. Where a study indicated that using aloe vera to treat diabetes in mice, may help repair the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, and researchers believe that this is due to the antioxidants contained in aloe vera.

However, more research is still needed to confirm the benefits of aloe vera for treating insulin resistance. Ways to take aloe vera include:

• Add the squeezed pulp to a smoothie or drink.
• Take aloe vera capsules as a supplement.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a common ingredient in desserts or some other dishes. Because of its beautiful aroma and taste that adds sweetness without any additional sugar; This is why it is common among diabetics.

Some studies have been conducted on humans, and scientists have found a relationship between cinnamon and insulin resistance, as cinnamon may improve levels of:

• glucose.
• insulin sensitivity.
• Triglycerides and harmful cholesterol in the blood.
• blood pressure.
• digestion.

The researchers concluded that the results could depend on the amount or dose, how well the body responded to cinnamon, and was the person taking any kind of medication? That is why scientists still need more research to confirm the effectiveness of cinnamon in treating insulin resistance.

Ways to eat cinnamon include:

• in cooked or baked dishes.
• Cinnamon decoction or cinnamon tea.
• Cinnamon supplements.

3. Bitter melon

Bitter melon is also called bitter melon, and it was used in the past in many treatments, and some recent studies have found that many parts of this plant help treat insulin resistance.

So far, there is not enough evidence to support the use of bitter melon instead of diabetes medications, however, it may help people to rely less on medications.

Bitter melon can be eaten as seeds or juice, or it can be found in the ingredients of some nutritional supplements.

4. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a type of daisy plant, and different parts of this plant can be used to treat various health conditions such as cirrhosis.

Silymarin is one of the important components of this plant, which has received great attention from scientists because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may make milk thistle a beneficial herb for diabetes. Scientists still need more studies and research to confirm its benefit for diabetics.

5. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds contain fiber and chemicals that help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar in the body. Some studies have indicated that fenugreek seeds delay or prevent the onset of insulin resistance. The researchers summarized the benefits of fenugreek seeds as follows:

• Increase insulin levels in the body.
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Lowering blood sugar.

You can take fenugreek as:

• Hot Drink.
• Dietary supplement.
• Add it as an herb to certain dishes.

6. Gymnema herb

The gymnema herb comes from India. It is also called a sugar-busting herb. Some studies have shown improvement in people with insulin resistance who took this herb.

Some research has found lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin levels when Gymnema is used over different periods of time for people with insulin resistance. Ways to take this herb include using the leaves themselves or using an extract from them.

7. Ginger

Ginger is often used to treat digestive problems and infections, but recently scientists have discovered that this may also help treat insulin resistance. By lowering the level of sugar in the blood. However, scientists don’t know how ginger does this yet, and more research is needed.

Ways to eat ginger include:

• Add ginger powder to raw or cooked food.
• Add it with tea or have it as a hot drink.
• Take a dietary supplement that contains ginger.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to increase insulin sensitivity by reducing fatty acids and blood sugar.

9. Green Tea

Studies have shown that consuming green tea improves the health of the body in general, and increases insulin sensitivity in the body in particular, as it works to reduce blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes or people who are likely to have it.

Finally, diabetes resulting from insulin resistance is a permanent disease, and it must change the lifestyle and take the medications prescribed by the doctor.